The main problem when replanting a cactus is the thorns: they leave painful scratches, and may even remain splinters in the skin. Moreover, after replanting, the cactus must be secured so that it does not collapse or fall out of the soil along with the root. Agronomist scientist Alexey Volodikhin shared 6 life hacks that will help you quickly replant a cactus and avoid getting hurt.
No. 1: Welding gaiters
You can replant a cactus even with rough gloves. If you don’t have leggings at hand, use leather or thick rubberized gloves.
No. 2: Bubble film
If your cactus is just a baby or has thin spines, then leggings will no longer be suitable. Wrap the plant in bubble wrap, forming a kind of tube, and secure it with tape or a stapler. Gloves are no longer required for this design.
#3: Tweezers
Another life hack for small cacti. Grab the plant with it and pull it up.
Important: plastic tweezers are suitable for transplantation. If it is metal, wrap it with electrical tape.
No. 4: Chinese chopsticks
If after evening gatherings you still have wooden sushi sticks (and you have gotten used to using them), they will also be safe for both your hands and the cactus.
#5: Newspaper
Roll the newspaper in several layers to create a narrow strip. Wrap it around the center of the cactus. Use the ends of the strips as a kind of grip.
No. 6: Vata
A cactus with straight spines can be wrapped in cotton wool so that it covers all the needles. If the spines are jagged or bent, you won’t be able to use cotton wool, as it will get tangled.
Caring for cacti after transplantation
If you have a large cactus, make a support for it. Use skewers, sticks or stones for this.
Place the cactus pot in a shaded place for 2 weeks. Yes, these light-loving plants need diffused light after transplantation – they will not tolerate direct sunlight.
In the first 4 days, do not water the cactus to prevent its roots from rotting. The plant should be kept warm – at a temperature of about 25 °C. And the first feeding can be given only after a couple of weeks.
